A Different Perspective

I've been a little behind on getting a shot of my growing belly, so Clayton and I finally took the time last night to take a few pictures. Despite his attempts, I wasn't really liking my side profile and had to resort to thinking of new/different ways to get a shot of my growing baby belly. Here is my favorite shot of the series - something a bit different from your standard side shot. I quite like how it turned out and I must thank Clayton for his patience as I tried to direct the shot from in front of the camera.

Whoa?! Where did my Ankles go?

Last week I got to experience another 'lovely' pregnancy related condition - swollen ankles. And let me tell you, it wasn't pretty! The lead up to my abnormally large ankles is actually a great story - I got the opportunity to spend three wonderful days in Banff at the Banff Springs Hotel. The mountains were beautiful (as always) and the weather was amazing, I could walk outside without a jacket. And yes, its duly noted that part of the reason I didn't need a jacket is my overheated body (i.e. bun in the oven symptom). Anyway, after enjoying my time in Banff, I then had the task of driving home. During the several hours I spent in the vehicle, lack of pit stops and the purchase of not so healthy food, I managed to arrived home safely and noticed that my shoes were a little tight. Much to my demise, after managing to get my shoes off, I looked down in horror to see my abnormally large feet! What happened?! Let me tell you, my ankles had appeared to double in size! I'm sure in actuality it wasn't that bad, but the next few days my shoes did seem quite tight. I'm happy to report that the swelling has gone down and my ankles are indeed normal size again, so I definitely attribute my condition to the lengthy time I spent in the vehicle. I have learnt my lesson, I need to walk around every couple hours or so, or my body will revolt. I now dread the coming months when no matter how much I try to avoid swelling in my feet and ankles it will undoubtedly happen. Ahhhh, pregnancy.

The Ultrasound Story

The day we went to get our first ultrasound started like any other day. We both headed to work, but knew that at 12:45 that day we'd get to see our baby for the first time. But let me back up in time, to 11:00, since this is the real driver for the ultrasound story. Contrary to my original understanding, you actually have to prepare for an ultrasound examination. The instructions are as follows: eat only one piece of dry toast the morning of the ultrasound and drink only clear liquids until 90 minutes prior to the exam. At 90 minutes prior to the examination you must empty your bladder and drink 1 litre of water - or so the instructions said. Knowing that I didn't want to mess anything up for the exam, I drank my two 500 mL bottles of water at 11 on the dot. Everything seemed fine, until 12:00 rolled around and I had to pee. Only those who have been pregnant or are pregnant can truly understand this next statement, but when you have to pee, YOU HAVE TO GO! I tried to think of other things, such as getting to see our baby, but the fact that my bladder was full to the max kept creeping into my head. So I thought to myself, I'll just go to the bathroom a little, then drink some more water on the way to the clinic. So I do and had instant relief. Clayton picked me up from work and we were on our way to the clinic.

The clinic was about 20-25 minutes from the office, so I was determined to make up for the water I just lost. Ha. About 10 minutes into the drive and some more water consumed, I had to go again! I tried to get Clayton to help me think of other things this time, but nope, had to go. So we pulled over to the nearest place that had a washroom (a McDonald's - I was that desperate) and I went to the bathroom again.

We FINALLY got to the clinic, parked and I went to check in. The lady at the counter asked how I was feeling - I answered honestly, I still was pretty uncomfortable. She said I could let out half a cup, but that was it. Being at the point of major uncomfort, I went again - half a cup and preceded to the waiting room to be called into the exam room.

I was called into the exam room right at 12:45 and was asked by the ultrasound technician how I was feeling. Again, I said I wasn't feeling very comfortable. She said she'd check my bladder and see if I could let any more out. Guess what?! She checked and said I could let our another THREE CUPS!!! Can you imagine? I was seriously contemplating why I even had to drink any water. But in the end, we could both see baby, arms, legs, little arms, button nose, heart beating - it was amazing. And worth the pain and possible embarrassment on the way to the clinic :)

Introducing Baby Davis!

No words can describe how excited we are - we finally got to meet baby. Here is our first glace at baby up close.

The ultrasound story will follow soon!

The Half Way Mark (Week 20)

A little bit of fun information on baby's development. I'm somewhat afraid of what's to come, something about the baby being the size of a watermelon in week 37 - what?! Those are big! But I can handle this week - baby is about the size of a cantaloupe.

Week 20: Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed.

Two more sleeps until the ultrasound. Can't wait to see baby!!!